The Cebu City Police Office has placed its personnel on full alert following directives from Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in preparation for Independence Day celebrations on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Heightened Alert Status
According to Cebu City Police Office Deputy Director for Administration Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rodulf Oriol, the Police Regional Office issued a directive on June 11 raising the region's alert status to heightened alert. This measure prohibits any police personnel from going on leave or being absent, and all units must remain on standby for immediate deployment.
Increased Police Visibility
Authorities have intensified police presence in high-traffic areas such as transport terminals, ports, malls, and other crowded locations, especially since June 12 is a declared holiday. The goal is to ensure public safety and deter any potential incidents.
Preparations for Protests
Police are also bracing for possible protest actions from various groups. Identified rally sites include Fuente Osmeña, Colon, Mabolo, and Plaza Independencia in Cebu City. Law enforcement units will be deployed in these areas to maintain peace and manage traffic flow.
While permits are still required for rallies outside designated freedom parks like Plaza Independencia, police assured that demonstrators will be given sufficient time and space to express their views under a maximum tolerance policy, provided that protests remain peaceful and orderly.
Security Assessment
Oriol stated that intelligence reports have not indicated any specific security threats aside from the planned rallies. Nevertheless, the Civil Disturbance Management units, along with motorcycle and mobile patrol teams, will be deployed across the city to respond quickly to any incidents during the Independence Day observance.
